Topson
Topias Miikka Taavitsainen (born 14 April 1998), better known as Topson, is a Finnish professional Dota 2 player for OG. As a member of OG, he won The International 2018 and The International 2019.
Topson | |
---|---|
Topias Taavitsainen | |
Taavitsainen in 2018 | |
Personal information | |
Born | 14 April 1998 |
Nationality | Finnish |
Nickname(s) | Topson |
Career information | |
Status | Active |
Current team | OG |
Games | Dota 2 |
Role | Core |
Career history | |
2017 | SFT |
2017–2018 | 5 Anchors |
2018–present | OG |
Career highlights and awards | |
|
Early life
Topias Miikka Taavitsainen was born in Haukipudas, Finland on 14 April 1998.[1] He was the eighth of twelve children in the Taavitsainen family, having seven brothers and four sisters. At the encouragement of his brothers, he began playing Defense of the Ancients when he was eight years old. His father owns a construction company and grew up as Laestadian family. His parents were doubtful if playing video games as a career would be profitable, but his eventual success of winning tournaments surprised his mother. He originally studied to be an electrician, but changed to cooking school after one year.[2]
Taavitsainen made appearances on lower-level squads in events before his big breakthrough. While none of these teams made an impact, his gameplay got noticed. His breakout for professional scene moment came in 2017. He had joined the Russian organisation SFT e-sports, where they had decided to pick up an entirely new roster. It was the first time that he had played for a high-tier team. After trying his luck with several teams, he focused on streaming and soon topped the European region by way of MMR. He was then recruited to join OG in 2018.[3]
At the International 2018, Taavitsainen and OG managed to win a 3-2 victory against PSG.LGD.[4] The victory made Topson approximately US$1.87 million, making him the highest-earning athlete that year in Finland.[5] OG and Taavitsainen continued their reign as the International 2019 champions, defeating Team Liquid 3–1. In addition, Topson also was named the tournament's MVP.[6]
References
- O'Keefe, David. "Topson's unorthodox and selfless play shows why OG are Dota 2's best team". Red Bull. Red Bull. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
- Päivitetty, Julkaistu. "Jesse Vainikka, 26, ja Topias Taavitsainen, 20, tienasivat pelaamalla miljoonia yhdessä illassa – näin heistä tuli huippupelaajia". Ilta-sanomat. Ilta-sanomat. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
- Galinat, Jamie. "Take a look back at Topson's one-year journey to The International". Red Bull. Red Bull. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
- Belandriel (21 December 2018). "2018 Dota2 Defining Moments: Topson – Started From the Bottom, Now He's Here". VPEsports. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
- "OG Dota 2 Player 'Topson' Paid Highest 2018 Taxes Amongst Athletes in Finland". The Esports Observer. 15 November 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
- freaks4u.com, Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH. "Playing like a God: Topson is your TI9 MVP". joinDOTA.com. Retrieved 15 June 2020.